Analysis of Materials by SEM

The scanning electron microscope (SEM) generates an electron beam that interacts with the sample, producing particles that are interpreted by the equipment’s detectors. This allows obtaining detailed information of the sample surface, revealing data such as:

• Morphology and texture: secondary electron detector and backscattered electron detector.
• Elemental composition: energy dispersive X-ray detector.

Some of the Advantages of SEM-EDS:

• Non-destructive technique
• Requires a minimal amount of sample
• Obtaining high-resolution images
• Ability to reach up to 100,000x magnification (compared to 400-500x for an optical microscope)
• Speed in the preparation and analysis of samples

Materials that can be analyzed: Metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, organic materials, nanomaterials, electronic materials, minerals, rocks and soils…

SEM-EDS techniques in Teletest

1. Study of contaminants in materials

This technique allows locating unwanted contaminating elements during the manufacturing process of a material. The presence of these contaminants can cause defects in the resulting material and affect its performance.

2. Morphological and structural study

This technique analyzes the morphology of materials at a microscopic scale to detect failures and defects during manufacturing processes. It is possible to measure and analyze the particle size distribution, porosity, surface roughness, coating thickness, among others, to obtain a complete profile of the sample, accompanied by images in the report.

3. Study of elemental composition and composition mapping

Using the EDS detector, it is possible to determine the elemental chemical composition of a material, identifying the elements present. This technique allows performing high-resolution elemental maps over an area of interest, which allows understanding the spatial distribution of the elements in solid materials. The precise identification of the composition is essential in the characterization of materials, quality control and validation of manufacturing processes, providing a complete view of its structure and possible inhomogeneities.

4. Identification of material impurities

This analysis allows detecting and characterizing the impurities present in a material that may have been introduced during the manufacturing or handling process. The presence of impurities can alter the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of the material, affecting its performance and durability. Through techniques such as SEM-EDS, it is possible to identify the nature and origin of these impurities, facilitating the improvement of manufacturing processes and the prevention of future defects.

5. Failure analysis by corrosion

Corrosion is one of the main causes of failures in metallic materials and other compounds. The analysis of failures by corrosion involves the identification and characterization of the corrosion mechanisms that affect the material, determining the type of corrosion (uniform, pitting, intergranular, etc.). Using SEM-EDS, it is possible to analyze the morphology of the damage and the elemental composition of the corrosion products, which allows to better understand the causes of the failure and develop strategies for its mitigation.

6. Morphology and composition of nanoparticles.

Nanoparticles, due to their small size, have unique properties that are crucial in advanced applications of science and technology. The analysis of the morphology and composition of nanoparticles with SEM-EDS allows characterizing their size, shape, and surface structure, as well as identifying their elemental composition. This type of analysis is fundamental for the development of nanomaterials with specific properties, such as in the manufacture of catalysts, sensors, and materials for biomedical applications.

7. Archaeology

The use of SEM-EDS in archeology allows the detailed characterization of ancient materials and artifacts, providing crucial information about their composition, manufacturing techniques, and state of conservation. This interdisciplinary approach combines archeology with materials science to obtain a deeper understanding of past cultures.

This analysis allows obtaining detailed information on the composition of ancient materials, such as ceramics, glasses and pigments. It also facilitates the study of patinas and corrosion in metals, the investigation of manufacturing techniques used from microstructures, layers and coatings, and identification of the origin of the materials from their composition. In addition, it is useful for diagnosing the state of conservation and monitoring the condition of the artifacts.